United Airlines and Air China Agree on Marketing Alliance

United Airlines and Air China have reached a marketing alliance, including cooperation on code share flights, frequent flyer programs and airport lounges, taking an important step toward expanding their networks and better serving the needs of customers.

The marketing alliance between United and Air China will take effect on Oct. 31, when United's 14 weekly flights (daily Beijing-Chicago and daily Shanghai-San Francisco service) connecting the U.S. with China will carry United's and Air China's codes. At the same time, Air China's 12 weekly flights (four Beijing-Los Angeles, three Beijing-New York and five Beijing-San Francisco) will be operating under Air China's and United's flight numbers. In total, the two carriers will offer 26 nonstop code share flights a week between China and the U.S.

"Our new marketing alliance with Air China will provide our customers with more travel options and benefits," said Glenn F. Tilton, Chairman, President and CEO, United Airlines. "China's aviation market is growing rapidly, and Air China's extensive network covers all major business and travel hubs in China. The new relationship with Air China will further expand United's worldwide network and access to China."

Air China President, Li Jiaxiang, added, "Air China aims to become one of the world's major airlines. To align with world-class airlines such as United is a key component of Air China's globalization strategy. The agreement with United Airlines is an important milestone for Air China."

Under the agreement with Air China, United will extend its service from Beijing and Shanghai to five other cities via code-share flights operated by Air China carrying United's codes. The five cities are Guangzhou, Shenyang, Xi'an, Fuzhou and Shenzhen. Air China will also extend its network by adding its flight numbers onto United's flights from Chicago, San Francisco and Los  Angeles to 14 other U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Honolulu, Houston, Las  Vegas, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle and Washington D.C.

Members of United Airlines' Mileage Plus frequent flyer program and Air China's Companion frequent flyer program will be able to earn qualifying frequent flyer miles/kilometers on both carriers' code-share flights and redeem awards on all United and Air China flights.